Are you missing out on a massive opportunity to grow your salon’s revenue?
If you’re only selling products when clients are physically in your chair, then the answer is yes. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to fix that. This is how to start selling salon retail products online.
Get ready for Episode 22 of Marketing 100 with salon marketing experts John Hallberg and Kayle Yanez – this week, we’re sharing the easiest way to boost your product sales in 2025.
Continue reading below for our practical guide on setting up an online store for your salon.
The New Reality of Salon Retail
With giants like Ulta and direct-to-consumer brands making professional products more accessible than ever, you might be wondering how your salon can compete.
But here’s your secret weapon:
You have something these mass retailers don’t – personal relationships with your clients and expert knowledge of their hair care needs.
It’s time to leverage that advantage in the digital space.
How Online Product Sales Transform Your Salon Business
Clients crave convenience. They want to purchase their favorite hair care products with just a few clicks, anytime, anywhere.
By offering your products online, you’re not just selling items; you’re extending your business hours without actually staying open longer, meaning less overhead & infinitely more opportunities to sell.
Clients can shop whenever the mood strikes them, capturing impulsive buying behaviors that we might otherwise miss.
But let’s be honest, the idea of managing shipping and logistics can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry though – here’s the great news: You don’t have to dive into shipping right away.
Start by offering a “pickup in-store” option. Clients can purchase products online and collect them during their next visit or whenever it’s convenient.
This approach keeps things simple for you while providing immediate benefits. You can also offer online-only discounts or product discounts as rebooking incentives alongside to bring clients back into the salon more often.
Capitalize on Impulse Buying and Capture Demand
We’ve all experienced that moment when we realize we’re almost out of our favorite product.
By being available 24/7 online, you’re right there when your client thinks, “I need to restock before I forget.”
This is crucial because the longer a client waits, the more likely they are to turn to big retailers like Amazon or Ulta.
Don’t let that sale slip through your fingers.
By offering online purchasing, you capture that demand immediately. Plus, with a pickup option, clients have a reason to stop by the salon more often, increasing opportunities for additional services or consultations.
Use Your Unique Expertise for Personalization
As salon professionals, we have something big retailers don’t, deep personal relationships with our clients. We understand their hair type, style preferences, allergies, and specific needs.
Use this to your advantage by offering personalized product recommendations.
Consider creating exclusive bundles tailored to common hair concerns or seasonal needs.
For example, a “Summer Hair Care Kit” or “Color-Treated Hair Essentials.”
This level of customization adds value and sets you apart from big-box competitors in a major way.
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For more on boosting profits through personalization, read our guide on enhancing salon profitability with personalization.
Start Small and Keep It Simple
You might be thinking, “This sounds great, but where do I start?”
Begin with what you already have.
Offer gift cards or your top-selling products online. Test the waters and see how your clients respond.
Starting small reduces complexity and allows you to learn and adapt without getting overwhelmed.
Remember, it’s about extending your reach, not overcomplicating your business. Keep it manageable by focusing on a few key products that you know your clients love.
Use Tools That Simplify the Process
Worried about the technical side? You don’t need to be a tech wizard.
Platforms like Shopify make setting up an online store straightforward. They offer integrations with some of our favorite salon software like Mangomint, synchronizing your inventory and sales seamlessly.
These tools are designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to focus on running your salon. Plus, with built-in payment options like Shopify Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay payment are easy for your clients.
Discover more ways to make your workday easier with helpful tips from our article on salon automation software.
Stay Top of Mind with Email Marketing Made for Salons
With email marketing becoming a standard feature in salon software, you have more opportunities than ever to highlight your products, offer promotions, and stay connected with your clients.
Use email campaigns to remind clients when they might be running low on a product.
For example:
Hi Sarah! It’s been about three months since you purchased your favorite styling spray. Don’t risk a bad hair day—grab a refill online now and pick it up during your next visit.
This personalized approach not only drives sales but also reinforces your role as their go-to hair expert.
Learn how to craft effective emails in our guide to salon email marketing.
Offer Subscriptions or Memberships for Added Convenience
Consider introducing product subscriptions or memberships. If a client regularly purchases a particular product every few months, offer a subscription service where it’s ready for them at the perfect time.
This not only ensures they never run out but also builds loyalty and provides you with consistent recurring revenue.
Key Benefits of Selling Products Online
- Increased Revenue: Tap into a new income stream without adding more appointments.
- Enhanced Client Convenience: Offer the flexibility to shop anytime, increasing client satisfaction.
- Stronger Client Relationships: Stay connected with personalized recommendations and communication.
- Competitive Edge: Stand out by offering services that big retailers can’t match.
Take the Next Step Toward Success
Imagine boosting your salon’s revenue while providing extra value to your clients, all without the headache of complex logistics. By selling products online with a pickup in-store option, you’re making it easier for clients to say “yes” to the products they love when they want them.
P.S. For more proven strategies to boost your salon marketing, don’t forget to check out the rest of our Marketing 100 series.
